When you hear of the distribution box, it may seem a bit intimidating because you may not have the faintest idea what it is and it does sound a bit too complicated for you since it’s part of the septic system. You have just acquired your new home and it was all getting too confusing and at times, alarming for you to know all these technical stuff immediately. Then your septic professional asked you, if you know what is a septic system distribution box?
The septic expert in the area took the time to teach you about the basics of the septic system. As the homeowner, you had to know these things so that the two of you could coordinate with one another when something goes wrong. The next thing you wanted to know was…Where is my septic system distribution box?
A conventional septic system is composed of the septic tank and the drain field. The drain field is where the last stage of wastewater treatment system takes place. It is the area of effluent purification and distribution. An essential part of the drain field is the distribution box. If you think about it, its name gives it away. It is a structure that connects the effluent pipeline from your septic tank to the lateral line, seepage pit, or galley networks.
The distribution box or d-box regulates the dispersion of the treated effluent. It is a must for the d-box to remain properly installed. If it’s tilted or clogged, it will only distribute the effluent on one part of the drain field. it will eventually result to the bursting out or overloading of the effluent onto the surface of the yard. Like the rest of the septic system, you should have the distribution box regularly inspected because. It is very prone to clogging and saturation. If you knew that the drain field has been flooded before, then you should get ready for a malfunctioning system pretty soon. To prevent that, talk to your septic expert immediately.
As a homeowner, you should make sure that you know the exact location of your distribution box. The following are some effective techniques in locating your d-box:
1) You could try and get a copy of the record drawing made before your septic system was installed. To install septic systems, you have to secure a permit. The local health department is the one that issues the permit you need and one requirement is the record drawing. But keep in mind that this drawing may not indicate the exact location of the d-box because there might have been adjustments made during the actual installation but at least it would be a great start to look for your drain field. It could somehow give you an idea where the drain field components are.
2) If you have an idea where the drain field may be located, go there and look at the grass. If the grass there is a bit soggy and darker than the rest of the grass in the yard. This would indicate where the effluent is dispersed. The distribution box would be near your house and right at the center of drain field’s lateral lines.
3) A metal rod can be used to probe that area of the drain field to search for the septic tank. This can be a bit risky because you might damage the tank. Carefully probe the soil for that outlet pipe that leads to the distribution box. It’s just quite small—about sixteen inches.
Once you have already found the exact location of your distribution box, then you should take the initiative of making your simplified illustration/map. Make sure that it is detailed. It should have measurements and landmarks that will help the septic expert locate the d-box a lot faster when it’s time to treat it. Have duplicate copies so that your hard work won’t be wasted the first time. Never trust your memory with the location of the d-box especially when you know that you have too many things to think about like work and family. So now you know what to say when your septic professional asked you, what is a septic system distribution box?